49ers sign David Carr: I still don’t get it

* Writing a column on this topic for tomorrow’s paper, so not much more to say here, other than…

Man, were you all saved from the mediocre column I wrote earlier Sunday, then had to frantically ditch once the Carr news hit. (I’m not saying this modestly. Mediocre defined.)

Oh wait, the real news: The 49ers signed David Carr to a two-year deal. Apparently there were other bidders, but sounds like the Bakersfield native wanted to come back to California.

I would guess that Shaun Hill is basically on his way out, which I think is a strange way to treat someone who the franchise lauded for his grit and leadership abilities.

Thought Hill was a stretch as a starter, no doubt, especially once Michael Crabtree arrived and it made so much sense to start throwing the ball all over the field.

But I also thought Hill was fully legitimate as a back-up and was an admired leader in that locker room.

Is Carr good enough to risk some potential locker room second-guessing?

I would also guess that Scot McCloughan, Mike Singletary and Jimmy Raye are looking to add a little spice to the QB spot in training camp, with Carr getting a shot to unseat Alex Smith if possible. (Carr might not have come here unless he thought he had a real shot at the No. 1 spot.)

But remember, Smith isn’t too good in summer-camp battles. By my recollection, he has lost every one he’s been in as a pro:

-In 2005, his rookie year, he was named the starter early by Mike Nolan, then lost the job to Tim Rattay after the first exhibition game. Smith got the job back in September.

-He had the job unquestionably in 2006 and to start 2007 before he was hurt.

-In 2008, still coming back from shoulder surgery, Smith lost a three-way competition when Mike Martz tabbed J.T. O’Sullivan as the starter. Hill leapt into the role one half after Singletary took over for Nolan, Smith’s shoulder never was 100%.

-In 2009, Smith lost a training camp battle to Hill, who started the first six games before himself getting pulled at halftime of Game 6. Smith came in and never gave up the job.

-In 2010… ?

I just don’t know that you get the best out of Smith when you put him in a hothouse.

He seems to flourish either when:

-He’s randomly plopped into the middle of a situation and just goes pedal-to-metal;